Two dominant backs in Damon Mitchell and Nick Evans are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Atascadero Greyhounds are taking a road trip to take on the Nipomo Titans at 7:00 p.m. on Friday.
Atascadero is probably headed into the contest with a chip on their shoulder considering San Luis Obispo just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Friday. They took a hard 28-14 fall against the Tigers.
The match pitted two dominant backs against one another in Mitchell and Colbin Garrison. Garrison had a great game and rushed for 296 yards and four scores while picking up 8.0 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Mitchell was balling out in the loss, rushing for 215 yards and one touchdown while picking up 12.6 yards per carry.
Meanwhile, Nipomo's game on Friday was all tied up 21-21 at the half, but luckily for them it didn't stay that way. They strolled past Morro Bay with points to spare, taking the game 49-34. The victory continues a trend for the Titans in their matchups with the Pirates: they've now won eight in a row.
Atascadero better keep an eye on Griffin Groshart. He was instrumental in Nipomo's win, throwing for 203 yards and a pair of TDs on only 15 passes, while also rushing for 32 yards and one score. Groshart's passing game has become a key predictor of the Titans' success: the team is 5-2 when his passer rating is 100 or higher, but only 1-2 otherwise.
Nipomo was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 348 rushing yards. They are 6-1 when they've run for more than 200 yards.
Nipomo didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off four passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Logan Hobbs, Evan Doll, Jacob Goldsbary, and Harrison Franciskovich picked up one apiece.
Atascadero's loss dropped their record down to 5-5. As for Nipomo, their record is now 6-4.
Friday's game might be decided on the ground. Atascadero has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 251 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Nipomo struggles in that department as they've been averaging an even more impressive 227.3 rushing yards. There's a good chance Friday's matchup turns into a tough fight on the ground.
Atascadero took a serious blow against Nipomo in their previous meeting back in April of 2021, falling 49-12. Thankfully for the Greyhounds, Keyshawn Pu'a (who rushed for 119 yards and four touchdowns on only 14 carries) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? Check MaxPreps.com after the match to find out.
